What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elongate
Example
The caterpillar elongated its body as it crawled along the branch. [elongated: past tense]
Example
The artist used an elongated canvas to create a panoramic landscape. [elongated: adjective]
lengthen
Example
The coach advised the runner to lengthen her stride to improve her speed. [lengthen: verb]
Example
The days start to lengthen as we approach the summer solstice. [lengthen: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lengthen is more commonly used than elongate in everyday language. Lengthen is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while elongate is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between elongate and lengthen?
Elongate is more formal than lengthen. Therefore, elongate is more appropriate for formal writing or academic contexts, while lengthen is suitable for both formal and informal situations.
